How to Tell if Your Dog has Fleas Fleas are the most common external parasite that can affect your dog and if left untreated, chronic infestations not only make your dog miserable but can lead to infection and more serious flea-related diseases.
Being aware of the signs and symptoms of flea infestations, along with prompt treatment, will help you keep your dog and her environment a healthy one.
Symptoms of Dog Flea Allergies: Itching and scratching: As with all parasitic creatures, fleas will depend on the host animal for survival and in this case, your dog's blood.
Allergies with a dog can be related to the protein in the flea's saliva, and your dog will itch or scratch in the area of the flea bite.
Even a single bite from a flea can cause your dog to become nervous or even agitated.
Red pimples or bumps: This particular symptom may appear on your dog's belly, groin, under the legs, at the base of the tail or on her butt.
If he or she is constantly itching or scratching these areas, it can result in hair loss and dry skin.
If this is left untreated, scabby lesions and an infection can develop and cause more sever flea-related diseases and isses.
How to Check Your Dog for Fleas: Even if your dog stays mostly inside, and ventures out occasionally, check your dog's comb or brush after a regular grooming session.
This can give you reassurance your dog is pest free.
If you suspect a problem, there are several ways to check your dog for fleas.
Visual check: Adult fleas are very small and brown in color.
They are relatively easy to with the naked eye and are generally easier to remove.
Place your dog on their side and check the thinner haired areas; such as the abdomen or the inside of his or her hindquarters.
Remember, ticks love warm places.
Flea comb: Acquiring a flea comb is the next step.
A finely-toothed, metal flea comb can be purchased from your vet or local pet supply shop.
Once you have the correct comb, run it along the back or underbelly making certain to apply enough pressure so the comb contacts the skin.
Adult flea feces - commonly called flea dirt - looks like small black pepper specks.
Have a small bowl of soapy water handy to drown any adult fleas you may pull up with the comb so they don't hop back onto your dog.
White towel test: Have your dog stand on a white paper towel or cloth.
Brush or rub her coat and check to see if there are black droppings on the towel.
Flea dirt will look like tiny grains of sand and will turn red if water is applied.
If you can't detect any fleas, flea dirt or eggs, but your dog continues to scratch or seems uncomfortable,have your veterinarian check her over.
There is a skin test your vet can administer to test for flea allergies.
It's also possible that your dog is suffering from another type of allergy such as a food, atopic or contact allergy which the vet can diagnose during your visit.
Safely Rid Your Dog and Home of Fleas Adult fleas can continue to reproduce and thrive on your dog and in your home until you break their life cycle.
Fortunately, there are safe and effective treatment options.
From powders and sprays to shampoos and topical liquids, numerous products are available to prevent or eliminate fleas, and treat your dog's surroundings.